Oriental cockroaches, or Blatta orientalis, are dark cockroaches that are commonly found all over the world as pests.
These cockroaches you do not want these in your home because they carry all kinds of bacteria and viruses.
The oriental roach can then spread to you through direct or indirect contact. This tends to result in diseases like dysentery and food poisoning, along with the spread of E.Coli, staphylococcus, poliovirus, typhoid fever, and Salmonella.
Take note that not all cockroaches carry a virus or disease at the time you encounter them. You should not take any chances, so you need to get rid of oriental cockroaches as soon as you see just one.
The upcoming sections will give you some ways of understanding, identifying, and eliminating oriental cockroaches. Let’s get rid of these nasty bugs before someone gets sick.
Understanding Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are also referred to as water bugs or black cockroaches. Their bodies are completely black, with some having a dark reddish brown color as well. Both males and females have wings but neither of them can fly.
The adult oriental cockroach is one inch to 1.25 inches long when it has reached the adult stage in its lifecycle.
These cockroaches are found in damp and dark areas such as basements and crawl spaces. This makes them hard to find, not to mention that they are mainly active during the night while remaining almost entirely hidden during the day.
Identifying Oriental Cockroach Infestations
You see a cockroach, so you need to identify that it is an oriental roach. Once you have done that then it is time to eradicate these bugs from your home.
You need to try and figure out where they are hiding especially if you are planning to try and get rid of the oriental cockroaches on your own. If you hire an exterminator, they can do that for you.
Signs of an Oriental Cockroach Infestation
- Droppings or feces inside cabinets, closets, attics, or near cracks and crevices
- You see an oriental cockroach scurrying around pipes and drains at night
- Eggs or egg cases around damp regions
- A mild but poor odor that gets stronger near moist locations
Common Places Oriental Cockroaches Congregate or Hide
- Pipes
- Drains and drain traps
- Basements or attics
- Around sinks and toilets
- Near washing machines
- Trash cans
- Near garden hoses
- Piles of leaves, decaying plants
- Damp or rotting wood
- Underneath appliances
- Garbage cans
- Wall voids
- Damp locations
- Crawl spaces
- Landscaping beds
Professional Pest Control Services
If you have tried to use both non-chemical and insecticide spray or gel, and it’s not working, time to call in an exterminator.
The infestation might also be too widespread to handle using do-it-yourself (DIY) tactics.
Pest control companies are usually equipped with professional tools, sensors, and sprays. They know how to find and eliminate cockroaches from your house as quickly as possible.
Non-Chemical Cockroach DIY Kill Methods
Some non-chemical control methods you can use to get rid of oriental cockroaches are highlighted below. These methods are safe and do not contain toxins that might otherwise cause you and your family harm. Here are the recommended products to get rid of the oriental roach:
I. Sticky Traps
Sticky traps usually contain adhesives or glue-based surfaces that cause the cockroaches to stick to them upon contact, preventing them from moving and causing them to die. They usually contain scents and sweet smells to lure the oriental cockroach to them.
II. Boric Acid
Boric acid is usually available as a powder, although some gel-based products are common too.
By sprinkling this powder in the hiding spots, the oriental cockroach will make contact and end up dying since boric acid tends to dry the body out while also impacting the nerves of these creatures.
II. Diatomaceous Earth
This is a common natural pesticide that dehydrates the bodies of pests, including oriental cockroaches. It makes use of silicon dioxide to have the intended effect on the body. You can mix this with baits or simply apply it to the hiding spots of the oriental roach.
I have used this before and it seems to work. I know this will kill oriental roaches but it will not get rid of an oriental cockroach infestation.
Chemical Control Methods
For more powerful and destructive solutions, consider opting for the chemical control methods that we are going to recommend. Note that you should wear safety and protective equipment while handling these while also keeping at-risk people and pets away while you use them.
Roach Kit
Keep pesky cockroaches away for good with this Roach Control Kit! This multi-pronged approach to pest control combines:
- Catchmaster 100i roach Monitor glue boards,
- Maxforce FC Magnum roach bait gel,
- Gentrol Point Source Stations
- Temprid FX insecticide concentrate.
I. Insecticide Sprays
Insecticide sprays are full of concentrated chemicals that can dry out and damage the bodies of the oriental cockroach. Buy them from the store or online and spray them near the hiding spots. Try opting for residual sprays to maximize the duration of the killing spray.
II. Insecticide Baits
Insecticide baits come in the form of liquids, gels, powders, strips, and traps, each of which contains sweet scents or baits.
These baits and gels attract the cockroaches and then kill them using chemicals. I like using the gel-like Invict roach gel or Advion gel.
III. Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulators are chemicals that cockroaches and other pests take in that then inhibit their ability to reproduce and grow. This can prevent the growth of the cockroach colony.
I use this all the time because I want to stop them from reproducing while you use gels, baits, and insecticide spray to kill them off.
Conclusion on Getting Rid of Oriental Roaches
Oriental cockroaches are troubling and distressing to have around, especially if there is an infestation of them.
Consider the DIY method to get rid of the oriental roaches because it will save you money. If that does not work or you don’t want to get rid of oriental roaches yourself then you need to call a professional extermination company is the next step.
FAQs
How Do I Distinguish Oriental Cockroaches from Other Roaches?
Oriental cockroaches have a distinct black body with several ridges and spines. Their body is shiny and spotless, making them look quite like beetles. German cockroaches and American cockroaches are usually more reddish brown, while also having spots or shades on their bodies.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Oriental Cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches have the potential to carry a bunch of diseases through bacteria and viruses. When they alight on your body, clothes, food, counters, or even plates, they might drop and leave behind these bacteria and viruses that you can then pick up when you make contact.
These can then lead to food poisoning and dysentery. Some people might also be allergic to cockroaches.
What Can I Do to Prevent Oriental Cockroach Infestations?
Always make it a point of sealing openings and gaps in your house and walls. Repair cracks and fix broken pipes while also closing drains after use.
Throw your trash in bins and replace trash bags often and remember to remove any moist or wet materials, including organic matter, from and around your home.
Do not have food laying out, clean up food crumbs, get rid of leaf litter in the yard, and do not leave pet food out. Make sure to seal all food and for animals use pet food containers.
Are Chemical Control Methods Effective Against Oriental Cockroaches?
Chemical control methods such as gels and insecticides tend to work well to kill oriental cockroaches. However, you will also need to take preventive measures to keep them away for good.